Governor Snyder Urges Private Dialogue on Water Issues

As reported by MLive.com earlier today - 

"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday refused to take sides in the ongoing dispute over the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, but he did indirectly criticize both city and suburban leaders for fighting the battle in the media rather than behind closed doors.
 

"Appearing on WJR-AM 760 moments after Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh and Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch made arguments against and for regionalization of the water department, Snyder told host Paul W. Smith he was disappointed by recent developments.

"I would rather have quiet discussions with people asking them to sit down and talk about the facts," Snyder said.  "Because there are many things that should be resolved before it gets to the point it is already.  It's unfortunate it has become a divisive issue at this time given all of the discussions going on.  It would be better if people said it doesn't have to happen on the radio station."

Governor Snyder was responding to recent legislation that would create a regional water authority (See, H.B. 4112 introduced by Rep. Kurt Heise on January 20th), and Oakland County's January 26th request that a federal judge impose an interim regional board through judicial decree. 

Karegnondi Water Authority Solicits Engineering Bids for Design of New Pipeline

Earlier this month, the Karegnondi Water Authority sent out an Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Engineering Services to approximately 25 engineering firms.  KWA is seeking an engineering firm (or team) for the design and construction of 65 miles of water transmission mains, pump stations and lake intake.

After design, KWA anticipates construction will include:

• 5+ pipeline contracts
• 2 to 3 pump station contracts
• 1 intake contract
• 1 open reservoir contract

Engineering Proposals are Due February 15, 2011. KWA expects to name a Consultant by May 31, 2011.

RFQ for Professional Services - Karegnondi Water Authority

Want more information about the Karegnondi Water Authority?

• Karegnondi Water Authority (Homepage)
• DWSD Update (Prior Posts)
• Peter Cavanaugh

Oakland County Petitions Court to Appoint Interim Regional Committee to Operate Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

In the wake of federal indictments last month, and state legislation to create a regional water authority introduced only 2 weeks ago, Oakland County  today filed a motion in federal court seeking the creation of an Interim Regional Management Committee "with the full power and authority to control, manage and operate" the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).  The motion will be considered by Judge Sean Cox, who replaced Judge John Feikens after he stepped down in November, 2010. No hearing date has been set on the motion.

2011-01-26.Oakland County Motion for Appointment of Interim Regional Management Committee

Contract PC-756, Weiss Construction Submits Low Bid on DWSD Clarifier Job

Earlier this afternoon, Weiss Construction was read low bidder on the project known as “Rehabilitation of Primary Clarifiers Nos. 13 through 16 at the Wastewater Plant,” DWSD Contract No. PC-756. 

1. Weiss Construction  - - - - - - - - - $ 10,991,000
2. Walsh Construction - - - - - - - - -  $ 11,359,000
3. Lakeshore Engineering -- - - - - - $ 11,500,000
4. Tooles Construction - - - - - - - - - $ 11,990,000
5. Walbridge - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 12,150,200
6. DeMaria Building - - - - - - - - - - - $ 12,188,000
7. Detroit Contracting, Inc. - - - - - - $ 12,305,000
8. O’Laughlin - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - $ 16,728,600

Update: On February 23, 2011, the Board of Water Commissioners approved a contract with Weiss Construction in an amount not to exceed $10,991,000 and a duration of 970 calendar days. 

Lakeshore Submits Low Bid on Sludge Pumping Station Rehab Project, PC-780

Earlier this week, on January 11, 2011, Lakeshore Engineering was read low bidder on the "Sludge Pumping Stations Nos. 1 and 2 Rehabilitation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant" project, DWSD Contract PC-780. After applying equalization credits, however, the contract could be awarded to the second bidder, Detroit Contracting, Inc., which was within $10,000. 

Lakeshore Group - - - - - - - - - - - -$ 5,690,000

Detroit Contracting, Inc. - - - - - - -$ 5,699,525

DeMaria Building - - - - - - - - - - -  $ 5,844,000

Walsh Construction - - - - - - - - -  $ 5,896,000

Weiss Construction  - - - - - - - - -  $ 6,060,000

Tooles Construction - - - - - - - - -  $ 6,111,000

Jenkins Construction - - - - - - - -  $ 6,265,744

Update: On February 23, 2011, the Board of Water Commissioners approved a contract with Detroit Contracting, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $5,699,525 and a duration of 790 calendar days.